» Defending territorial integrity of countries
The editorial in Sharq Daily says that flights security was an issue that was repeatedly damaged by the U.S. in the Gulf region in the 1980s, jeopardizing lives of innocent people. In international documents ratified by international communities, this security has been emphasized again and again, and countries have undertaken to carefully observe the security of civilian aviation in the marine areas so that lives of flights’ passengers are not put in danger.
The editorial adds that in Paris Convention of 1919, the Convention Relating to the Regulation of Aerial Navigation was ratified, and according to Article 1 of this convention, each government has full and exclusive sovereignty over its own legal airspace. The territory includes national territory and adjacent territorial waters. With Iraq-Iran war, many international laws – including the above-mentioned laws as to respect for Iran’s water and observing the impartiality principle – were violated by countries including the U.S. America was after helping Iraq and confronting Iran.
The editorial continues that on 3 July 1988, the U.S. measures reached its peak, and with two missiles of USS Vincennes, 290 passengers and crewmembers of the aircraft were killed in a few minutes. According to International Civil Aviation Laws, the information about the flights within the territory of a country can be traced and monitored by civil aviation officials of that country; meanwhile, there is doubt about USS Vincennes’ warning to the aircraft, and essentially previous warnings of the U.S. ships to Iranian aircraft were illegal. The false allegation of the U.S. about passenger aircraft diving towards the American ship was completely rejected.
An Editorial in Sharq Daily on Tuesday, Jul. 4th, 2017
» Resentment blinds
In its editorial, Etemad Newspaper criticizes Iranian hardliners for ‘blindly’ attacking Rouhani’s government: Resentment and hostility blind people to the strong points and advantages of those whom they consider as their rivals and enemies. This is true about the hard-liners’ behaviors in Iran against Rouhani’s government and its achievements –particularly the nuclear deal. This can better describe the resentment that some hardliners show towards the government and its major achievement, which is JCPOA – a resentment that blinded them to any positive points in it.
The editorial then points out to the economic conditions before the nuclear deal: These people have forgotten that Iran was under sanction and economic siege and could not even sell its oil, and the revenue of the oil that was sold had to be brought back into the country by people like Babak Zanjani, which meant plundering of Iranian people’s money in the middle of the way.
Etemad editorial adds that this resentment and hostility went so far as to make some of the hardliners worried, so they suggested a “ceasefire”. But in less than 48 hours, the very same person who suggested the ceasefire broke it and attacked Iranian government’s contract with Total Oil Company of France, harshly criticizing it. One of the government’s critics called the new oil contract with Total as “return to the era before the nationalization of the oil industry in Iran”.
An Editorial in Etemad Daily on Wednesday, Jul. 5th, 2017
» ‘Total’ contract is a result of JCPOA
An editorial in Arman says that Iran has signed a huge contract with Total Oil Company of France. This huge contract for making operational Phase 11 of South Pars shows the success of Iran’s win-win diplomacy, which has been emphasized during past 4 years.
The editorial adds that on the other hand, the opponents of the nuclear deal, after the Republicans came to power in the U.S., tried to block the implementation of JCPOA by creating numerous obstacles, but the recent contract proved the opponents of JCPOA in the West and Iran wrong.
The editorial continues that signing the recent contract has a significant message, including the fact that EU is not in agreement with the Americans over the issue of sanctions and creating problems for developing economic relations, and Europeans follow an independent policy towards Iran.
And ends by saying that total’s recent move sent this message to other European and non-European countries that Iran has come out of the central core of sanctions, they can very easily invest in Iran with signing huge contracts, and Iran is a safe place for foreign investment.
An Editorial in Arman Newspaper on Wednesday, Jul. 5th, 2017
♦ Tehran’s new mayor: Mohsen Alizadeh
Members of Tehran City Council has agreed on Mohsen Alizadeh as Tehran’s new mayor. In a private session in which fifteen council members were present and six absent, the majority voted for Alizadeh. The meeting was held unofficially and in a place different from previous sessions.
Serat News
♦ Intelligence minister questioned about dual-nationals in government
Iran’s Intelligence Minister attended an open session of the parliament to explain the reason for denying the presence of many individuals with dual nationality in Iran’s government. Three Parliament Members asked Mahmoud Alavi questions in this regard.
Alavi was also questioned about the reason for arresting a number of media activists and Telegram admins during Iran’s presidential election by 54 lawmakers.
Fars News
♦ Increase in suicide rate in Iran in 2016
Head of Iranian Legal Medicine Organization said the phenomenon of suicide in Iran is growing, and even though the rate of suicide in Iran is less than European countries, it stands in the third spot among the Islamic countries. According to statistics, 13 people commit suicide in Iran every day, and most suicides are among the people of 15 to 35 years of age. The number of suicides in 2013-2014 were 4,069 people, and in 2015, 4,020. But in 2016, this number was so high that it was considered as one of the most significant social problems, and serial suicides among the students were the obvious form of it.
Arman daily
♦ Iran’s oil production, close to 4 million barrels per day
Spokesperson of Iranian government Mohammad Bagher Nobakht said according to statistics of June 2017, oil production in Iran passed more than 3,900,000 barrels per day for the first time after lifting of sanctions. He added that production of gas condensate was recorded as 692 thousand barrels per day.
Abrar Eqtesadi
♦ Canada continues listing Iran as terrorism sponsor
Justin Trudeau government has decided not to remove Iran from the list of states sponsoring terrorism, according to VICE News. Trudeau government’s green light to lawsuits against Iran shows that the relations between the two countries will continue to remain virtually non-existent.
An Ontario Court of Appeal issued a sentence on July 4 based on which Iran must pay $1.7 billion for supporting terrorism.
Spokesperson of Iranian Foreign Ministry Bahram Ghassemi called this measure by the Canadian court as against the international practice and said that Iran will preserve the right to object to and follow up this verdict for Itself. Ghassemi added that basically issuing a verdict against a foreign government is in contradiction with the principle of equality of governments and violates their immunity in international laws.
Mashregh News
♦ Rouhani to Total CEO: Iran’s policy is to cooperate with big companies
Hassan Rouhani, in his meeting with chairman and CEO of Total Patrick Pouyanne, said signing and implementing contract between Iran National Oil Company and Total Oil Company of France for development of Phase 11 of South Pars is a positive step in the direction of economic-technological cooperation between Iran and France, adding that these two countries have always had good relations and collaboration with each other.
Pointing out to the fact that 11th government has always tried to pave the way for developing cooperation of big companies with Iran after the nuclear deal, Rouhani urged that existence of political resolve between Iran and P5+1 made it possible for the agreement with Total to come to fruition.
Bartarinha
♦ Third round of political talks between Foreign Ministries of Iran, France
Secretary-General of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development who has traveled to Iran in the framework of holding the third round of political talks between deputy foreign ministers of both countries met with Iran’s deputy for European and American Affairs. They discussed ways to expand and develop relationships between the two countries.
In this meeting, Iran’s deputy for European and American Affairs pointed out to the fact that implementing JCPOA is a common responsibility of both sides, and as Iran has fulfilled its obligations, “naturally, the other side too must fulfill its obligations.”
Nameh News
♦ Rouhani to choose defense minister from among army commanders says parliamentarian
Tehran MP Elias Hazrati wrote on his Twitter that Iranian president is after choosing the next defense minister from among army commanders. Previously Hazrati had said that Telecommunication Minister Mahmoud Vaezi is seeking to replace Foreign Minister Zarif. Vaezi had denied such remarks, saying that he has never tried to be present in any ministries, and the president will decide about such issues.
Hamdeli
♦ Seizure of biggest cocaine shipment in Iran
Brigadier-General Mehdi Mahmoudi, Police Chief in Qazvin province, said the biggest cocaine shipment of 2 kilos and 60 grams was seized from a brother and sister. He added the male suspect has had numerous records in carrying heroin, urging that the suspects were sent to prison after their case was filed and they were referred to judiciary officials.
Bartarinha
♦ Iran objected to France for MEK holding its summit in Paris
Spokesperson of Iran Foreign Ministry Bahram Ghassemi said Iran objected to France for People’s Mujahedin of Iran (MEK) holding its summit in Paris, emphasizing that this issue has always been “a dark spot in the relationship between the two countries and it is nothing new”. He added that this summit is held every year in Paris and had nothing to do with Iranian FM Zarif’s recent trip to Paris. Bahram Ghassemi urged that Iran “has always objected to this issue, and we have always complained about it to France.”
Jahan Sanat
♦ Border guards clashed with smugglers in West Azerbaijan
Border guards of the city of Piranshahr, West Azerbaijan, engaged in a clash with armed smugglers, which resulted in the death of a conscript and injury of 3 other border guards. Alireza Radfar, political-security deputy of West Azerbaijan governor office, added that the smugglers were trafficking alcoholic beverages into the country when they faced border guards and started shooting towards them.
Ettelaat
♦ IRGC official: Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is killed
Deputy Commander of Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps says Iran’s recent operations against ISIL in Syria has been successful, adding even “the Israelis who are our tough enemies confess that the missiles hit the targets.” Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi added according to evidence, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has been killed. “Apparently, the Russians say he was killed, but we should wait and see,” said Zahedi.
Fars News
♦ IRGC discovers hundreds of tapping equipment in Tehran
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has discovered and confiscated hundreds of wirelesses, tapping machines and espionage equipment in northern Tehran. An informed source told Tasnim News that a group of four members was involved in selling the equipment systematically. The source also said IRGC intelligence has arrested all the members of that group. The equipment had been smuggled into the country via border provinces.
Tasnim News
♦ Russian company to build airport in Qom
The Russian company “Regiontransneft” has taken up the project of constructing an airfield complex in the city of Qom, southwest of Tehran, according to RIA Novosti. The project which costs 2.8 billion euros, previously belonged to a local private Iranian holding. Regiontransneft also plans to build a railway station as well as a bus terminal for carrying freights and passengers.
Tasnim News
♦ Iran Foreign Ministry reacts to news on EU sanctions
Bahram Qasemi, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, says the European Union has not imposed any new sanctions against Iran despite the news in some media. Qasemi added the EU has only updated previous sanctions on some individuals and organizations that are reviewed periodically. The EU has made a great deal of effort to fulfill its commitments to JCPOA and Resolution 2231, said FM spokesperson, adding yet the U.S. reneged on some of its promises, trying to prevent cooperation among European banks with Iran.
Jam-e Jam online
♦ Omid Fraction to intervene in Rouhani’s government
Ali Sari, the member of Omid [Hope] Fraction in Iranian Parliament, said according to unofficial reports, the president’s new cabinet will be younger, more efficient, and more loyal to people’s demands and the president’s policies. He emphasized that a committee in Omid Fraction will do professional reviews about the individuals proposed for different ministries, adding that the results will be reported to the president or a committee (consisting of people close to the president) that has been shaped for finalizing the list of ministers.
As for speculations about changes in some ministries, Sari said that apparently the Foreign, Telecommunication, Labor, Defense and Agriculture Ministers will be reinstated in their positions, while there will be changes in Oil, Environment, Tourism, and Industry Ministries.
Setareh Sobh
♦ Iranian MP: Some government bodies are involved in smuggling
Hassan Norouzi, the lawmaker, has said that some government bodies are “directly or indirectly involved in smuggling goods to the country.” In an interview with Fars news, Norouzi added that when a minister’s daughter is engaged in smuggling, or a minister himself owns companies and factories, they cannot work in people’s interest. “Unfortunately, some individuals use their previous work experience in smuggling goods and foreign currency to the country,” said the lawmaker, referring specifically to those active in banking or financial affairs.
Javan daily
♦ Iran cultural sites hacked by ISIL supporters
Hackers supporting ISIL hacked the websites of Iran Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHTO) as well as Cultural, Handicraft, Tourism News (CHTN) on July 1. According to a statement issued by ICHTO, the sites have been fixed and recovered. No details have been published about the issue yet.
Radio Zamaneh
♦ Bagheri: IRGC missile operation in coordination with Syrian government
Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces Iran Mohammad Bagheri said Iran’s “anti-terrorist attack in Syria” was conducted in coordination with this country’s government. He added that Syria is fighting terrorists day and night, and Iran’s missile operation was after coordination with the Syrian government.
Vaghaye Daily
♦ Iranian lawmaker: Government should react to seize of Alavi Foundation
Morteza Safari Natanzi, the member of National Security and Foreign Policy Commission in the Parliament, asked Iranian government and Foreign Ministry to take mutual legal measures about Alavi Foundation case. He added that the fact that the U.S. court has changed its previous verdict about this foundation shows that the judiciary system is not independent in America. “And this requires Iranian government and diplomatic system to take actions against the U.S. illegal behaviors,” urged Safari Natanzi.
The U.S. government has said it is ready to seize a building in New York owned by Alavi Foundation after the jury found it had violated economic sanctions against Iran.
Vatan Emrooz
♦ Boroujerdi: the Main strategy in confronting U.S. Senate sanctions is boosting missile capability
Head of Parliament’s National Security Commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi said that as U.S. Senate decision is to stop the influence of Iran in the region and to weaken Iran, “we too have decided to ratify a legislation to confront the U.S. and its illogical policies in the region”.
He added that unlike other countries of the region that have deployed forces to Syria and Iraq, these two countries have asked for the presence of Iranian military advisors, which makes it legal and it will continue as Iran’s policy. Alaeddin Boroujerdi further explained that Iran’s legislation to confront the U.S. has two main features including allocation of 1,000 billion tomans to boosting missile system and 1,000 billion tomans for IRGC Quds Force.
Young Journalists Club
♦ Defense Minister: Iran will respond severely to any threats
Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier-General Hossein Dehghan said about new U.S. sanctions that “America is after putting restrictions and pressure on Iran under any circumstances, but putting sanctions against Iran is not a new measure since it has been always like this since the victory of Iranian revolution”. He emphasized that, however, no one can stop a country from making progress, and the U.S. efforts will be to no avail.
As for Iran’s missile capability and recent missile operation against ISIS, Iranian Defense Minister said, “As we witnessed, Iran will not stop short, and any threats by the enemy will face Iran’s severe response.”
Jam-e-jam Online
